For the Internet of Things to reach its full potential, the industry needs unified standards that enable reliable communication between compatible hardware and software. Several consortiums are already attempting to set those standards, backed by major industry players—one notable example being the AllSeen Alliance.
The AllSeen Alliance counts companies like LG Electronics, Panasonic, Qualcomm, Sharp, Silicon Image, TP-LINK, and Haier among its supporters. In an interview with TelecomsTech, Paul Davison of MLL Telecoms emphasized a central challenge for IoT: “How do we bring everything into one place so developers can create compelling integrations and discover uses that benefit everyone?” That quote underscores the need for interoperable platforms that make it easy to combine devices and services in meaningful ways.
In a separate initiative, Samsung and Intel have formed the Open Interconnect Consortium (OIC) to drive a new industry standard for device-to-device connectivity. The consortium aims to promote IoT adoption across both consumer and enterprise markets. Intel also participates in the Industrial Internet Consortium, which focuses on architectures and data models for large-scale industrial equipment—typified by the machines built by companies like General Electric.
Members of the OIC plan to create a certification program tied to any protocol specifications developed through the partnership. Eventually, an OIC certification mark on product packaging could signal that a connected device will interoperate smoothly with a user’s existing home or enterprise systems, simplifying setup and enabling broader device interoperability.
Other founding OIC members include Atmel, Broadcom Corporation, Dell, and Wind River. According to Samsung’s announcement, member companies will “contribute software and engineering resources to the development of a protocol specification, open source implementation, and a certification program, all with a view of accelerating the development of the IoT.” This approach combines open-source software with industry collaboration to encourage faster, more consistent adoption.
The OIC specification is intended to be operating-system agnostic and compatible with a variety of platforms, which should help reduce fragmentation across different environments. Industry observers are watching whether Apple will join a broad consortium like OIC or continue to promote its own ecosystem-specific protocols—similar to AirPlay—or seek interoperability through other means.
Is the OIC a good idea, or would Samsung and Intel be better off contributing to an existing IoT alliance? Opinions vary: some argue that multiple consortiums foster innovation by offering alternative approaches, while others warn that too many competing standards may slow widespread adoption by increasing fragmentation. What matters most is creating clear, open, and secure standards that enable developers and manufacturers to build interoperable, trustworthy IoT experiences.
To learn more about the Internet of Things, consider attending IoT Tech Expo Europe at London’s Olympia on 2–3 December, 2015, where industry leaders, developers, and businesses gather to discuss standards, use cases, and the future of connected technology.